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To Weep vs Weeping Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To weep (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to weep" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to weep when I watch sad movies.

Weeping (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "weeping" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Weeping can be a cathartic release of emotions.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To weep (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To weep is a natural response to grief.

    To weep is a natural response to grief.

    • "*To weep*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural response to grief).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to weep with her.

    She wants me to weep with her.

    • "Me *to weep* with her" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to weep* with her).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a tissue to weep into.

    I need a tissue to weep into.

    • "*To weep* into" modifies the noun "tissue."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a tissue *to weep* into).

Weeping (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Weeping is a natural response to sadness.

    Weeping is a natural response to sadness.

    • "*Weeping*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural response to sadness).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy weeping during emotional scenes in movies.

    I enjoy weeping during emotional scenes in movies.

    • "*Weeping* during emotional scenes in movies" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*weeping* during emotional scenes in movies).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of weeping in public.

    She has a fear of weeping in public.

    • "Of *weeping* in public" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *weeping* in public).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

Example

She plans to weep at the funeral tomorrow.

They hope to weep tears of joy at their wedding.

He wants to weep in solitude.

We decided to weep together as a way to heal.

They agreed to weep openly and share their emotions.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys weeping alone in her room.

They recommend seeking professional help if excessive weeping occurs.

I dislike the sound of loud weeping.

He avoids weeping in front of others.

Can you imagine yourself weeping tears of joy?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to weep when she feels overwhelmed. She likes weeping when she feels overwhelmed.

We started to weep uncontrollably. We started weeping uncontrollably.

He began to weep after receiving the bad news. He began weeping after receiving the bad news.

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